Obama: Chilean Miners Rescue is A 'Thrilling Moment'

Calling the Chilean miners’ rescue a “thrilling moment,” President Obama today said that this story has “captivated that world’s attention,” and the “joy of people everywhere,” comes with each rescue.

“Last night, the whole world watched the scene at Camp Esperanz as the first miner was lifted out from under more than 2,000 feet of rock and then embraced by his young son and family,” the president who also was one of those that watched the rescue last night said from the Rose Garden today, “And the tears they shed after so much time apart expressed not only their own relief, not only their own joy, but the joy of people everywhere. “

The president said they remain hopeful that the celebrations “duplicate themselves” throughout the rest of the day today. The president commended not only the people of Chile but from the United States and around the world who are lending a hand to the rescue effort.

“From the NASA team that helped design the escape vehicle to American companies that manufactured and delivered parts of the rescue drill to the American engineer who flew in from Afghanistan to operate the drill,: the president noted were all part of the efforts.

“This rescue is a tribute not only to the determination of the rescue workers and the Chilean government but also the, of the Chilean people, who have inspired the world. And I want to express the hopes of the American people that the miners who are still trapped underground will be returned home safely as soon as possible.”

At some point today it is expected that Mr. Obama will call the Chilean president, and also speak with the COS of some of the US companies, and those government agencies like NASA who have been involved with the rescue.